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Prime Minister's Office
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English translation of Remarks by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at a programme organised by Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre in Canada
Namaskar!
Wishing you all a very Happy Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and Gujarat Day! We are all aware of the role played by the Ontario-based Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre in keeping Indian culture and Indian values alive in Canada. I have experienced this in my visits to Canada that how successful you have been in these efforts of yours and how you have left a positive impression of yourself. We can never forget that memorable recollection of the experience of 2015, that affection and love of people of Indian origin in Canada. I congratulate the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre and all of you associated with this innovative effort. This statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Sanatan Temple will not only strengthen our cultural values, but will also be a symbol of the relationship between the two countries.
Friends, wherever an Indian lives in the world, no matter how many generations he has lived, his Indianness, his loyalty to India does not diminish even a little. Whichever country that Indian lives in, he serves that country with full dedication and honesty. The democratic values, the sense of duty that his forefathers carried away from India, are always alive in the corner of his heart.
This is because, India along with being a nation, is also a great tradition, an ideological establishment, a ritual of a sacrament. India is the top thinking that talks about 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. India does not dream of its own upliftment at the cost of the loss of another. India wishes with it the welfare of the entire humanity, the entire world. That is why, in Canada or any other country, when an eternal temple dedicated to Indian culture is made, it also enriches the values of that country.
Therefore, if you celebrate the Amrit Mahotsav of India's Independence in Canada, then there is also a celebration of the shared heritage of democracy. And so, I believe, this celebration of the Amrit Mahotsav of India's Independence will also give an opportunity to the people of Canada to see India more closely.
Friends,
The event associated with the Amrit Mahotsav, the site of the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre, and the statue of Sardar Patel, are in themselves a great picture of India. What did our freedom fighters dream of in the freedom struggle? How did they struggle for a free country? An India that is modern, an India that is progressive! And at the same time, an India that is connected to its roots by its thoughts, by its thinking, by its philosophy. That is why, Sardar Saheb restored the Somnath temple to remind India of its legacy of thousands of years, which stood at a new juncture after independence. Gujarat witnessed that cultural mahayagya.
Today, in the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, we resolve to create a new India like this. We reiterate Sardar Saheb's resolve to fulfil that dream. And in this 'Statue of Unity' is a big inspiration for the country. As a replica of the 'Statue of Unity', the statue of Sardar Saheb will be installed at the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre in Canada.
Friends,
Today's event is a symbol of the fact that India's Amrit Sankalp is not limited to India’s borders alone. These resolutions are spreading all over the world, connecting the whole world. Today, as we take forward the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign, we also talk of opening up new possibilities of progress for the world. Today, when we strive for the spread of Yoga, we wish 'Sarve Santu Niramay' for every person in the world.
India's voice is also representing the entire humanity on topics like climate change and sustainable development. It is time to take this campaign of India forward. Our hard work is not only for ourselves, but the welfare of the entire humanity is linked to India's progress, and we have to make the world realize this. All of you Indians and all the people of Indian origin have a huge role to play in this.
These events of Amrit Mahotsav should be a medium to take India's efforts, india's ideas to the world, and it should be our priority! I am confident that by following these ideals of ours, we will also create a new India, and realize the dream of a better world. With that in mind, thank you very much to all of you!
DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.